Blues boss aiming high ahead of big kick-off

Rhys Howell

Whitby Town manager Darren Williams is confident that his players have what it takes to mount a serious bid for promotion in 2015/16.

The Blues kick off the new campaign at home to Stourbridge on Saturday, and Williams told the Whitby Gazette that he feels positive about his side’s chances of mounting a challenge to progress out of the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Whitby Town celebrate a 90th minute winner during last season's victory over Stourbridge at the Turnbull Ground

“It is probably a bit early to be setting ourselves targets, but what I can say for certain is that this group of players is good enough to compete at the top of the table,” he said.

“In my opinion, we have what it takes this season to aim for the play-offs, as long as we can be consistent. We have to aim to be up there.

“We’ve added some very good players and competition for places is strong right across the team – a situtation that we haven’t always had at the club previously, and this strength in depth is a massive thing for us.

“That said, while I’m certain that we have the ability go out and challenge at the top of the league, going out there and doing it is a different matter.

“There is no reason why we can’t, but it is a long hard season and we’ll just have to see how it pans out.”

The Blues began last season’s league campaign with a game against Stourbridge, albeit away from home in a match that they lost 2-1.

The corresponding fixture at the Turnbull saw Steven Snaith grab a 90th-minute winner for Town, and Williams is hopeful of a repeat performance this weekend.

“We should be at full-strength for the visit of Stourbridge, and we’ve been playing well during the last three games of pre-season, so we’re looking in decent shape,” he added.

“We’re in the right frame of mind at the moment and I think we have the team to go out and win the game.

“It could be a bit of a headache picking a first 11, but it’s a nice headache to have.

“We are still trying to strengthen the squad however, and could possibly have another couple of players signed up by the middle of next week.”